Versatile adaptor for excavator tools and associated systems and methods

ABSTRACT

An adaptor for quickly, easily, and safely attaching and removing compatible tools from the end of a boom of an excavating machine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/353,905, entitled “VERSATILE CONNECTOR FOR EXCAVATOR TOOLS,” filed Jun. 23, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a versatile connector for attaching tools to an excavator and to tools adapted for use therewith.

BACKGROUND

Hydraulic actuated excavators and tools attached to and used by them are in ubiquitous use throughout the world. A particular example is the PC210LC-10 model sold by Komatsu Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan). Excavators typically have a hydraulically actuated boom at the end of which may be attached a variety of tools for carrying out the desired earth-working tasks, such as excavating, compacting, removing rocks, building materials, tree stumps, and the like. Existing excavators require considerable time, labor and difficulty in swapping out such tools. Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for a quick, easy, one-man apparatus and method for changing from one desired tool to another.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The disclosed embodiments consist of an adaptor that is attached to the end of a boom of an excavator to permit the safe, rapid changing of compatible tools to be mounted on the end of the boom by a single person. It is understood that other embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosed device and system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a typical existing excavator machine, the Komatsu Model PC2110LC-10.

FIG. 1B is a three-dimensional rendering of the adaptor attached to a dozer blade modified for use with the adaptor, according to one implementation.

FIG. 1C is a three-dimensional rendering of tool comprising a dozer blade and a grapple, modified for use with the adaptor, according to one implementation.

FIG. 2A is a front view of the adaptor, according to one implementation.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged and exploded side view of the adaptor, according to one implementation.

FIGS. 3A-3G depict the adaptor, according to one implementation.

FIGS. 4A-4I depict the attachment plate and housing, according to one implementation.

FIGS. 5A-5F depict the bracket and tool flanges, according to one implementation.

FIGS. 6A-6D depict the bracket which attaches to the tool for use with the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a grapple modified for use with the adaptor, according to one implementation.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the grapple, according to one implementation.

FIG. 7C is a side view of a dozer blade modified for use with the adaptor, according to one implementation.

FIG. 7D is a side view of a vibrating compaction roller, according to one implementation.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a tool comprising a grapple and a dozer blade, modified for use with the adaptor, according to one implementation.

FIG. 8B is a front view of the grapple and dozer blade complex, modified for use, according to one implementation.

FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view of a dozer blade attached to the adaptor, according to one implementation.

FIG. 9B depicts a top view of the blade as modified for use with various implementations of the adaptor.

FIG. 9C depicts a rear perspective view of the blade implementation of FIG. 9B.

FIG. 9D is a further top view of the blade implementation of FIG. 9B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various disclosed devices, systems and methods relate to the selective mounting of a tool or tools on the end of an excavator boom or other heavy industry implement, as would be readily appreciated by one of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the devices, systems and methods described herein may be used to improve safety and speed in changing compatible tools to be used in conjunction with an excavator boom.

Turning to the drawings in greater detail, FIG. 1A depicts a typical excavator 10, of the type suitable for application of the disclosed connection or adaptation device 30. It is understood that in various implementations, an excavator 10 has a hydraulically actuated boom 12 to the end of which is attached, in this particular example, an excavating bucket 14. It is also understood by those skilled in the art that other embodiments of the disclosed hydraulically actuated boom are or will become apparent. The bucket 14 is attached to the boom 12 via an ear 16 or ears 16 and, in this implementation, pins 18. The bucket 14 may be pivoted about the end of the boom 12 by a hydraulic cylinder 20 acting on links 22 and 24. It is understood that other embodiments of the bucket-boom implementation may become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Several implementations of a rapid release or change device 30 for mounting a tool on the boom are illustrated in FIGS. 1B-1C and 2A-4I. The device 30 of these implementations is also referred to as an adaptor 30. The adaptor 30 of these implementations has a mounting plate 36 configured to be selectively attached to the distal end of a boom (as shown in FIG. 1B at 12) and an attachment plate 42 configured to support a tool such as a dozer blade 60 on the boom 12. In various implementations, these plates 36, 42 are substantially planar and configured to be disposed adjacent to one another when the tool, such as dozer blade 60 is attached. As described herein, in various implementations, these plates are fitted with a variety of additional components to allow for the mounting of the mounting plate 36 to the boom 12 and the attachment plate 42 to a tool, such that the tool can be selectively secured to the distal end of the boom 12 for use.

As is shown in FIG. 2A, the mounting plate 36 of these implementations can have several planar, upright attachment portions 32, 34 that it will be appreciated correspond to the attachment ears 16 of the excavating bucket 14 of the prior art in FIG. 1A, such that the adaptor 30 can be mounted at the distal end of the boom 12 via boom openings 17 defined in the attachment portions 32, 34 via the bucket pins 18 or other fasteners, as is shown in FIG. 1B.

It is understood that in these implementations, the attachment portions 32, 34 are mounted, affixed or otherwise disposed substantially in parallel, so as to be substantially perpendicular to a mounting plate 36 and define a slot 33 therewith. In various implementations, the slot 33 is of sufficient width to accommodate the mounting of the mounting plate 36 such that the attachment portions 32, 34 are disposed on either side of the end of the boom 12.

Continuing with the mounting plate 36 of FIGS. 2A-2B, in these implementations the mounting plate 36 is configured to be fixedly attached to the distal end of the boom 12 via the attachment portions 32, 34 and in turn be selectively coupled to the attachment plate or plates 42. In the implementations of FIGS. 2-3, one or more receiving lumens 38 are defined within the mounting plate 36 and constructed and arranged for receiving one or more appendages 40 of an attachment plate 42 so as to secure the attachment plate 42 to the boom (best shown in FIG. 1B at 12) via a male/female connection. In certain embodiments, the appendages 40 may be referred to as attachment flanges 40. In alternate implementations, the appendages 40 may be disposed on the mounting plate 36 so as to form a male/female connection in reverse configuration. It would be appreciated that many alternate implementations are possible.

Returning to the implementations of FIGS. 2A-2B, the appendages 40 of these implementations define openings 46 that are paired with paired openings 44 defined in the receiving lumens 38 of the mounting plate 36, such that when the appendages 40 may be are inserted into the lumens 38 and secured via fasteners (not shown), such that the attachment plate 42 and mounting plate 36 are selectively secured or coupled. In certain embodiments, the fasteners (not shown) may be referred to as pins 18. It can readily be appreciated that if the adaptor 30 has been mounted on the end of the boom 12 by way of the attachment portions 32, 34 and fasteners 18, such that a desired tool is mounted to the underside of the attachment plate 42, it is thereby easily, quickly and simple attached to or removed from the end of the boom 12.

Further implementations of the attachment plate 36 are shown in FIGS. 3A-3G. In these implementations, the substantially planar attachment portions 32, 34 define boom openings 17 that can further comprise bushings 19 or other bearings for coupling to the boom 12 via fasteners 18, as described above. The attachment plate 36 according to these implementations further comprises paired elongate coupling flanges 41 that are disposed along either side of the mounting plate 36 and used to form a tongue and groove-style coupling with the attachment plate 42 of the implementations shown in FIGS. 4A-4I.

In turn, the attachment plate 42 depicted in the implementations of FIGS. 4A-4I has paired elongate female receiving segments 43 defining coupling slots 43A therewith disposed on either side of the attachment plate 42 so as to be configured to receive the coupling flanges. In these implementations, coupling openings 45 are defined on either end of these segments 43 so as to allow for the flanges 41 to be secured within the slots 43A via fasteners or pins (not shown), as would be readily appreciated by the skilled artisan.

In the implementations of FIGS. 3A-4I, the attachment plate 42 is coupled to a housing 48. In these implementations, the housing is hollow and defines several walls 48A, 48B, 48C, to which a plurality of tool brackets 52A, 52B, 52C can be attached. It would be appreciated that the these tool brackets 52A, 52B, 52C can each have several tool flanges 54 defining tool openings 56 for use in mounting of various tools, as is described further herein. In various implementations, the housing 48 can further comprise a handle 49, configured to allow the user to slide the attachment plate 42 and tool (not shown) into place on the mounting plate 36.

FIGS. 5A-5F depict a tool bracket 52 for the mounting and support of a tool to the attachment plate 42/housing 48, according to certain implementations. In these implementations, tool flanges 54A, 54B are disposed substantially parallel to one another and perpendicularly to the bracket plate 52A, so as to define a tool slot 53 therein. Each of these tool flanges 54A, 54B further defines a tool opening 56A, 56B for the attachment of the tool (not shown). Further, in these implementations, bushings 57A, 57B are disposed within the openings 56A, 56B so as to provide support and/or rotational communication with the tool pins or other fasteners used to secure the tool in place, as would be appreciated.

An alternate tool bracket 72 is shown in the implementations of FIGS. 6A-6D. In these implementations, a sleeve 62 is disposed between the flanges 54A, 54B within the opening 56. Bracket plate 72 is mounted in reference to a tool. In these implementations, the sleeve 62 further defines a lumen 62A therewithin for the mounting of certain tools. In certain of these implementations, and as shown in FIG. 6D, the lumen 62A comprises bushings 62B configured to provide support and/or rotational communication with the tool pins or other fasteners as described above.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a grapple 50 modified for use with the exemplary implementation. These grapples 50 are useful in removing oversized objects from the ground being worked, such as boulders, tree roots and stumps, razed building materials and the like. An attachment plate 42 has been mounted on the grapple 50 making the grapple 50 easily, quickly and simply attached to or removed from the end of an excavator boom 12 that has been modified to carry the adaptor 30. The appendages 40 of attachment plate 42 insert into the lumens 80 of the mounting plate 36, as described above. It is understood that the tools modified for use with the exemplary implementation may vary based on the ability, experience, and preference of those skilled in the art.

FIG. 7C shows a dozer blade 60 modified for use with the exemplary implementation. These dozer blades 60 are useful in shaping and leveling the ground being worked by an excavator 10 or other machine. An attachment plate 42 of the exemplary implementation has been mounted on the dozer blade 60 making the dozer blade 60 easily, quickly and simply attached to or removed from the end of an excavator boom 12 that has been modified to carry the adaptor 30. The attachment plate 42 inserts into the lumens 38 of the mounting plate of the exemplary implementation, and the adaptor 30 is secured by of fasteners (not shown) inserted into the openings 46 defined by the appendages 40. It is understood that the tools modified for use with the exemplary implementation may vary based on the ability, experience, and preference of those skilled in the art.

FIG. 7D depicts a vibrating compaction roller 70 modified for use with the exemplary implementation. These compaction rollers are useful in compacting and leveling the ground being worked by an excavator machine 10. An attachment plate 42 has been mounted on the compaction roller 70 making the compaction roller 70 easily, quickly and simply attached to or removed from the end of an excavator boom 12 that has been modified to carry the adaptor 30. The attachment plate 42 inserts into the mounting plate of the exemplary implementation, and fasteners are inserted through the openings 46 defined by the appendages 40 to secure the adaptor to the tool, as described above. It is understood that the tools modified for use with the exemplary implementation may vary based on the ability, experience, and preference of those skilled in the art.

FIG. 8A depicts an alternative embodiment of a tool which incorporates a grapple 50 and blade 60. The attachment plate 42 is mounted in reference to the blade 60. The grapple moves freely around an axis centered about the joint 64.

FIG. 8B shows an alternative embodiment of a grapple 50 and blade 60 complex. The attachment plate 42 has been mounted on the grapple. The appendages 40 are inserted into the mounting plate of the exemplary implementation, securing the tool.

FIG. 9A-9D depict a dozer blade 60 modified for use with the exemplary implementation. The bracket plate 72 attaches to the tool, mounted in reference to the blade 60 in this implementation. As shown by FIG. 9A, the bracket plate 72 is moved along the blade 60. FIG. 9B depicts the blade 60 with bracket plate 72 attached to the tool. In this implementation, the sleeve 62 is disposed between the flanges 80A, 80B. It is appreciated that the blade 60 can be pivoted relative to the boom 12 via hydraulics, such as along reference arrow A.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the disclosed embodiments. The foregoing embodiments and the methods described herein may vary based on the ability, experience, and preference of those skilled in the art. Merely listing the steps of the method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method. The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited thereto, except insofar as the claims are so limited. Those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A quick release adaptor for mounting a tool on an excavator boom, comprising: (a) a mounting plate constructed and arranged to be mounted to the distal end of the boom; and (b) an attachment plate for securement of the tool to the adaptor, wherein the attachment plate is selectively securable to the mounting plate, thereby releasably securing the tool to the adaptor.
 2. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein the tool is selected from the group consisting of a grapple, dozer blade or vibratory compactor.
 3. The adaptor of claim 2, wherein the tool further comprises modification for use with the machine.
 4. The adaptor of claim 2, wherein the tool is constructed and arranged for mounting of the tool to the machine.
 5. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein the adaptor includes a plurality of attachment portions that are releasably received by the boom.
 6. The adaptor of claim 5, wherein each attachment ear further comprises defines openings constructed and arranged for communicating with the boom.
 7. The adaptor of claim 6, further including a mounting plate constructed and arranged for communicating with the attachment plate.
 8. The adaptor of claim 7, wherein the mounting plate is secured to the boom.
 9. The adaptor of claim 7, wherein the mounting plate further comprises a plurality of receiving openings for communication with the attachment plate.
 10. The adaptor of claim 9, wherein the receiving openings of the mounting plate further comprise a series of paired openings.
 11. The adaptor of claim 1, further comprising fasteners corresponding in size to the paired openings in the appendages of the adaptor configured for attaching with the boom. 